LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOMES FOLLOWING ISOLATED MITRAL-VALVE REPLACEMENT

OBJECTIVE: This study reviews the short and long term outcomes of pati ents who underwent isolated mitral valve replacement at the University of Alberta Hospitals during the past decade. DESIGN: Data were obtain ed retrospectively by review of patients' hospital charts, cardiologis ts' follow-up charts, contact with patients' physicians, and direct te lephone or mail contact with patients and/or their surviving relatives . RESULTS: The clinical outcomes of 198 consecutive patients (124 wome n and 74 men) who underwent isolated mitral valve replacement from Jan uary 1981 to December 1990 at the University of Alberta Hospital were reviewed. Overall early operative mortality was 11%. Deaths were mainl y related to pump failure and previous mitral valve replacement. Late mortality was 17%. Follow-up data were available except in five patien ts. Average follow-up was 6.3 years. Overall cumulative survival was 7 2.9 +/- 3.4% at five years and 63.1 +/- 4.8% at 10 years. The cumulati ve freedom from complications was 64.3 +/- 3.9% and 36.4 +/- 4.9% at f ive and 10 years, respectively. Long term survival rates obtained afte r isolated mitral valve replacement are higher than those reported in series of medically treated patients with mitral valve disease. CONCLU SIONS. Mitral valve replacement can prolong survival as well as improv e symptoms in patients with symptomatic mitral valve disease.